"He is a quality player with experience and he will have the legs around him," says Dev.
"It is a good signing and hopefully he can do good things for the boys - and score lots of goals.
"He is a very intelligent player and he has never been pacy; I remember playing against him in the early days when he was at Millwall.
"He played up front with Cascarino and Cas was, how can you say, battling everyone and banging into people while Teddy was coming off that.
"He was good in the air even as a young lad - it is a good signing."
Alan hopes that promotion will be achieved at the second time of asking and adds:
"They deserve to be in the Premier for the fans and it is definitely getting harder because the gap is widening all the time.
"I am sure Alan will be disappointed about last season but I would like to think he will make sure next year.
"The young players will have learnt what the league is about now and I am sure they will have a right go at it."
Alan is manager of Hampton and Richmond in the Ryman Premier League and is looking forward to his own challenge of the season ahead.
"I am keeping busy and we are doing okay," he says.
Alan, in conjuction Alphasports, has signed a limited edition A2 print that has the official West Ham crest from the 85/86 season.
The print depicts him dribbling the ball, in typically mercurial style, in front of the Chicken Run.
It can be obtained via alphasports.co.uk or by calling 0800 783 3042.